gant. But a Sectarian spirit, teaching its possessor to value himself in being a good hater, and to exercise this quality towards all beyond his own pale, will, I hope, ever be contrary to the feelings of, PRESBYTER ANGLICANUS. Mr. URBAN, Barton, Feb. 8. AMID the numerous evils of Nonresidence, as it regards both Clergymen and Proprietors of Lay Estates, the increase of Sectaries may be reckoned as one of the most alarming. In country villages, where the landlord, or, as he is generally called by the lower orders, the Squire, does not reside, and where there is no local Minister, the rulers of the people commonly consist of six or seven farmers, who are looked up to as the great men of the place. It often happens that these persons, who have neither talents nor leisure to investigate the authority of the Church of England, are seduced by some zealous Fanatic into the inextricable labyrinth of schism: erring, at first, through a mistaken princi ple, they labour totis viribus in what they deem the cause of Religion; subscriptions are entered into the Leaders of the Conference lend their aid; a Meeting-house * is built, and thus a thorn is planted in the side of every pious and active Clergyman who comes after; to whose endeavours after usefulness an almost insuperable bar must be opposed, as long as there remains in his parish a fabric, where men are told that no outward commission is necessary to qualify them for preaching the Gos pel; where their pride is flattered, and their vanity soothed, by the hope of becoming oracles in their turn; and where they are taught to regard the intoxicating fervours of Enthusiasm as the undoubted impulses of that Holy Spirit, which has classed "variance" and "heresies" among the works of the flesh, in language too plain to be overlooked, though it may be, and often is, disregarded. A rallying point for Separatists being thus established, mark the consequence: the inhabitants flock to This, in the modern vocabulary of Methodism, is styled a Chapel; it might as well be called a Cathedral, for it has as much right to the one name as to the other. it, in vast numbers, from motives of temporal, as well as of spiritual interest. In most villages, at least in this County, there is to be found a tailor, a shoemaker, a carpenter, and a blacksmith; often a shopkeeper, and, nine times out of ten, that necessary personage, a schoolmistress: most of these peole have sense enough to perceive that the readiest way to ensure the custom of their fellow townsmen, is to fall in with their religious views. They reason thus within themselves-" Mr. Such an one goes to Chapel; if I wish him to buy sugar of me, I must go there too; I know our Parson does not like us to leave the Church, but, as he does not live in the parish, his anger will not injure my shop." I leave you to judge, Mr. Urban, what conclusions this reasoning mostly ends in; but I wish you, at the same time, to understand, that I do not accuse these good folks, en masse, of sacri ficing their conscience to worldly considerations: the greatest part of them consider conscience as no way concerned in the matter; they are led to believe it a perfectly indif ferent thing, whether they go to the Church or the Meeting-house, provided they go to one of the two. This ignorance of the truth arises from their having been constantly plied with a doctrine, which, in a perverted sense, constitutes the very essence of Fanaticism, viz. that "the Gospel is the Gospel, wheresoever it may be preached a proposition which, however speciously it may sound in the ears of the unlettered multitude, the well-educated Patrons of Methodism must know, can never warraut the inference they have drawn from it; viz. that external commission and internal qualifications are one and the same thing; in other words, that every man has a right to preach the Gospel, who fancies he has a call to do so. Another reason which, in large towns especially, operates to make men Dissenters, is the superior splendour and magnificence of decoration visible in Meeting-houses, compared with what most Churches exhibit. In a town, not twelve miles from bence, there has been lately erected a Methodist Meeting-house, capable of containing between two and three thousand persons, and which is es timated to have cost no less a sum than than 80001. The outside of this building is composed of handsome white stone; and the inside is fitted up, as I understand, in the most sumptuous manner, with mahogany, brass-work, &c. Even in the bumbler edifices which the industry of Schismatics has raised, there is a degree of grandeur and an air of comfort, for which we look in vain under the roofs of our Village Churches, where mildewed walls, and worm-eaten pews, too of ten force upon our minds the unwilling truth, that, while houses are adorned with unnecessary splendour, and stables built for the accommo dation of hunters, the Temple of God is suffered to go to decay, and, by its forlorn appearance, to bring contempt on the religion that consecrates it. Did Incumbents generally reside on their benefices, and did the owners of estates in person superintend the conduct of their tenants, this evil would be more easily remedied; but you must be fully aware, Mr. Urban, that this is far from being the case in many Dioceses, the landlord dwells in London, or insome distant County: the Clergyman, who, living, very likely, some miles off, has two or three Churches to serve on the Sunday, and a school perhaps to direct during the remainder of the week, rides hastily into the Village, does duty in as hasty a manner, proceeds to his uext Cure, and is compelled to entrust many matters to the scanty zeal of his Church wardens, which he Would himself carry into execution, if he resided on the spot. But "why," you may ask, "is be not called into residence?" Alas! Sir, how is it possible for a man of small fortune, after the expences attend ing an University education, to reside on a living of 1501. per annum, where there is no Parsonage-house? I am myself acquainted with a gentleman, who holds a Rectory of 1907. per annum, lying at the extreinity of a very large Diocese. The Parsonage house is a miserable cotlage, occupied by a labourer and his wife; it must be totally rebuilt, before it can be rendered comfortable, or even habitable for a family. My friend has no income but what arises from his personal exertions; that is not large, and he is just beginning life. How is it possible, I again repeat, for such an one to reside on his preferment? how is it possible for him to live among his parishioners, in a manner either suitable to the education he has received, or consistent with the dignity and best interests of his profession? The above, I have reason to believe, is a very common case; so common, indeed, that, were conscientious Clergymen to refuse benefices because they could not reside on them, there would be, I apprebend, the greatest difficulty in supplying such Churches with the accustomed duty. For these and many other reasons, I have long wished, Mr. Urban, that a plan, suggested by wiser heads than mine, might attract the notice of Parlia ment. Let a fund be formed out of the contributions arising from an equitable assessment on the livings throughout the kingdom: the scale of proportion should be accurately ascertained, and justly laid down: the highest quota would prove but a trifling burden, in comparison with the benefit which would be derived from the measure. Suppose that all livings of 5001. per Ann. and upwards, were rated at 1 and 1⁄2 per cent.; those at 250l. per Ann. and upwards to 5001. at 4 per cent.; those of 2001. at' per cent.; and let it be decreed that no benefice under 2001. per Ann. shall be liable to an assessment. Whatever sum is fixed upon, care should be taken not to render it oppressive: it might be made lighter at first, and increased gradually afterwards, as the plan be came better understood. Let this fund be placed at the disposal of a certain number of Commissioners, half of them to consist of the Archbishops and Bishops of the Realm: the money should be devoted to the improvement of small livings, having always in view, with regard to such improvement, the residence of the Minister. And perhaps it might be advisable that a clause should be introduced into the Act, strictly ap propriating the relief granted to the erection and repairs of Parsonagehouses; and to the beautifying of Churches, &c. where necessary. I am not aware that any reasonable objection can be made to the above plan, which has been frequently carried into execution, in cases where other interests are concerned; and I cannot help thinking that my Lord Harrowby, whose zeal to serve us is so great, would be better employed in furthering such a measure, than in devising Queries (some of them both unnecessary and frivolous), to the no little annoyance of Bishops, Bishops' Secretaries, and the Clergy. Such Queries, Mr. Urban, lay bare the nakedness of the land, but contribute nothing to the increase of its fertility. Yours, &c. CLERICUS. I tifices can weaken, and upon reason- Non tali auxilio, nec defensoribus istis, A Work has lately been put into my hands, concerning which I should be glad to receive some information from any of your Readers. It is entitled, The Geneva Catechism, or Instruction on the Christian Religion: prepared by the Pastors of Geneva, for the use of the Swiss and French Protestant Churches:" and it is said to be "translated from the French, a new edition, 1814." I should be glad to know if it is really a faithful translation without either curtailment or addition. If it be, it is really a phænomenon. A Catechism by the Genevan Pastors, the successors of Calvin-and not a word of Calvinism in it! There is scarcely a sentence in it which a Unitarian, I apprehend, would scruple to teach his children! EUONYMUS. Mr. URBAN, OBSERVED with pleasure in your last Volume, Part II. p. 409. a letter from Mr. Rudge, the object of which is, to correct an error of Mr. Fosbrooke in his Abridgement of Whitby's Commentary, respect ing the darkness at the crucifixion of our Saviour. But the corrector, I am sorry to say, needs correction.At the close of his letter, in which he has sufficiently shewn that the darkness was not occasioned by an eclipse of the sun, he observes that the phænomenon was perceived beyond Judæa; and in attestation of this, refers to Suidas in verbo Alvovalo (Alovos); that great Lexicographer having said that Dionysius, noticing the extraordinary darkness, at Heliopolis, in Egypt, exclaimed, Either God himself is now suffering, or sympathizing with him that does suffer." Now, Sir, Mr. Rudge ought to have known that the Works of Dionysius the Areopagite (and it is to these that Suidas refers) are generally, if not universally, rejected by the learued as spurious, the productions of an age not earlier than the fifth or sixth century; and that even the testimony of Phlegon to the same purport is not generally credited. We have no evidence that the darkness was per- Bible, so eminently superior to all the ceived beyond the limits of Judæa. French editions of the Bible, publishIf any of your Readers should wished by the British and Foreign Bible for full satisfaction on this head, I would refer then to the "Jewish and Heathen Testimonies" of the learned and cautious Lardner, Art. "Phlegon, Thallus, and Dionysius the Arcopagite"-- Works, 8vo edition, vol. VII. p. 370. I have been induced, Mr. Urban, to trouble you with these remarks, by the concern I always feel when I meet with any attempt to support the sacred cause of Revealed Reli gion by means which will not bear a strict investigation. The arguments in favour of Christianity are numer ous and irrefragable; grounded upon facts, the credibility of which no ar Kensington square, Jan. 7. MAN must be weak indeed, to employ his time in answering the aspersions of an Anonymous Writer. But, as my silence might be interpreted by your Correspondent Bibli ander, as the effect of his four Letters in your Magazine for October, No. veinber, and Supplement, 1815, and June 1816, written with the intention, I imagine, of forcing me to abandon the duty of making known in England the New Geneva Translation of the Society; I request from your justice, Mr. Urban, that you will insert the present Letter in the Gentleman's Magazine; with my "Observations on the expediency of publishing only improved Versions of the Bible for the Continent;" of which I send you a copy for that purpose. Yours, &c. THEOPH. ABAUZIT. insertion to these Observations, which [Our limits will not permit us to give extend to a pamphlet of 30 pages. We can therefore only direct the attention of our Readers to that publication, which is easily accessible, in justice to a respectable individual, who has perhaps been too hastily aspersed. EDIT.] REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 20. The Character of Passing Events, 8vo, pp. 45. Hatchard. co 10 highly important, and yet so the passing events of the last twentyfive years, that it has not been easy to characterize them. How far the present Writer has caught the resemblance, we shall leave the Reader to determine. After stating some solid objections to various projected plans of Reform, the Author observes, "If the authority of the Crown might be affected by such Reform, how would it be with the established aristocracy? The people always have an aristocracy of their own. Among them, the bold, and the able, and the crafty, always will rule the dull and the passive. A people in possession of popular institutions are continually throwing such champions to the surface, endued with a sharp and rough spirit from the fermentation that produces them. They collect by a very natural affinity, and sometimes form a greater concentration of talent than may be found in the constitutional aristocracy. How would it be if the House of Commons dipped so deeply among the people as to receive, in too great an abundance, this rival aristocracy? It may be, that collisions would be produced not intended by the Constitution. It is a great error to suppose this ever had in view to establish bodies in a permanent state of conflict with each other. The necessity of concurrence in the three branches to produce au act, shows that, however differently personified, they are in reality required to be of one temper, one opinion, and one plan. Still there is a kind of Reform that would restore symmetry to the Constitution, and disarm popular clamour of part of its pretensions. It would be, to secure, at all times, an equal distribution of the elective franchise, according to amount of population, by counties; to be determined by census, periodically taken at long intervals; but at the same time, by a well-tempered qualifying law, to ensure the production of much the same materials as now compose the House. "There is a popular spirit prevailing, which has gained some ground on the established laws of the land, has given to some the air of being obsolete, to others unreasonable. It appears in Parliament, as well as at the public meetings of the day. It holds a different language in different places, and is, no doubt, GENT. MAG, February, 1817. actuated by a great diversity of motives; but its tendency is hostile equally to the great institutions of the country, and the current measures of Government. tion on the subject; but enough is real There probably exists much exaggerato place the public authorities on their guard. Let not England in the height of her glory, let not this favourite of Heaven, for whom scarcely a region blooms and meditates but in her ser vice; and who, while laying the foundations of a still increasing prosperity, aud a still increasing power, has received from the world the title of "Shield of afflicted Humanity," suffer an idle clamour to creep unnoticed upon her strength. A spirit of the deep, great because accustomed to the dimensions of the world; intrepid because bred amidst dangers; let ber mind derive a new exaltation from the temporary difficulties that assail her. Let the voice of pressure be heard, even its ill humour conciliated; but let the eye of the Law single out, and arm crush the wretch who avails himself of the occasion for sinister purposes. The age requires indulgence, for it has been one of error; the people of this country merit attention, for they are in their nature patient of suffering, but still it is not to be endured that the Laws must temporize, much less that they must fall into disuse, from intimidation. What lenity is due to the times, let it be dealt out by the clemency of the Crown; not assumed as a new right of the People." 21. Hints to Radical Reformers, and Materials for True. 8vo. pp. 164. Hatchard. $0 THIS is a pamphlet of some length, on subjects of vital importance to every member of the community; and as the Author "courts not favour from any Sect or Party," so he " licits not the patronage of an illustrious name: but dedicates his 'Hints' simply to the Publick, for whose use they were designed; appealing to its candour, where he seems most severe upon its conduct." The objects which he discusses are, "The Tithe System, on the Substitutes for, and Improvementsofit: the Augmentation of Poor Livings; Provision for Catholics and Dissenters; Catholic Emanejpation; Commercial System of England towards Ireland, and towards the Continent: the Moral and Political Effects of Neglect of Education; Motives for Public Education; Fashionable Infidelity; The atrical atrical Licentiousness; Corruption of the Press; various Objections to Education; Large Schools, Small Select Academies; Influence of Rank on Public Morals; Influence of Female Example; the present Slavery of Fashion; General Principles of Preventive Justice; Alehouses and Pawnbrokers; Riots, Duels, and Capital Punishments; Law Expences; Grand Juries; Individual Influence; Absentees; Leasehold System; Charitable Associations; and the Necessity of true and thorough Reformation." We do not suppose that all these articles are likely to be perused with the same degree of interest by every Reader; but there is no man who will not here find some truths which come home to his own heart and bosom. The benevolent Author thus concludes his observations: "The grand truth, the main point, the much-desired Reform, is to be effected only by personal efforts, and individual zeal; and where can a wider field be opened to this generous activity than here, Englishmen, in this licentious, Irishmen, in your benighted, country? What nobler stimulus held out, than the flattering success that has hitherto crowned our incipient efforts? What dearer recompence, than the enlightened spirit, the conscientious honesty, the principled loyalty, and reasonable gratitude, of the educated poor?-You who reside in the country amidst tenants and dependents, what nobler employment, what sweeter recreation can you have, than visiting the peasant's but; and cheering, by the smiles of benevolence, the humble abode of honest industry? Those poor fellows, honoured now and then by an illustrious and friendly visitur, feel an importance thus conferred upon them, which calls for new decorum on their part, gives them a new character to maintain, awakens a spirit of propriety and cleanliness, a little personal and domestic vanity; which, within certain limits, is the first step towards comfort, civilization, and morality And oh, if the sacrifice of a few hours (such perhaps you might at first consider it) could produce such happy consequences, would you consider them as thrown away? No, you would even cease to feel "Female virtue is never more in dan. ger than when totally in rags. Its first, though perhaps its least amiable security, is a little personal pride, and vanity of dress and appearance. The same may be said of men, that when a little vain of appearance, they become more careful of their conduct." it a sacrifice; it would soon become a piea sure. And the heartfelt attachment and respect, and the simple gratitude of bonest peasants, the aukward salute, and eager blessings, of those you have befriended, would be dearer delights than all that squandered fortune could be stow.- - You who reside in towns, in capitals, how can you better serve your country, than by promoting the grand objects of national improvement? A few hours dedicated each week, regularly, to the practical business of some public institution, general or local, would give new energy to every inferior powerful re-action on the remotest corexecutive member, and operate with ners of the country. It is not by desultory efforts that grand national objects are to be attained, but by steady spirited attention. There are in all our capitals, in most of our country towns, institutions of various kinds, more or less comprehensive in their views, more or less troublesome in their duties; but equally important in their different spheres. Let each independent gentleman attach himself to one; he will soon feel an interest in its success, and that success will more than repay him all the trouble he bestows. Thus should our capitals, and the country at large, form one grand system of mechanic barmony and universal benevolence. A combination of benefic powers acting in different spheres and circles, but all rolling and tending in one grand direction; some relieving the distress of poverty, some soothing the pangs of sickness, reclaiming the profligate, providing employment for the idle, or superintending the details of education; others sitting at the helm, and cherishing the zeal, assisting the exertions, uniting the experience, and guiding the course of all, to the one main point. All working thus together for the public good, what occupation can be conceived more truly dignified? what zeal more laudable? what prospects more cheering? And if these prospects be realized, how glorious their accomplishment! And, if they fail, at least how meritorious the attempt! "Such,Gentlemen Reformers, is the relief, the reformation, which the Country requires at your hands; at the hands of every man possessed of property therein; at the bands of the humblest individual. It is not a hacknied list of grievances that can improve our state; it is not pompous declamation, but real, rational, radical, Reform; each man, of himself; each father, of his family; each master, of his own household. Be legislators, be censors, be economists, be orators, since it is your taste-at home. |